What Is the Hit-and-Run Investigation Process?

Mark Anderson | November 11, 2026 | Car Accidents

Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be frustrating and confusing. The process only becomes more difficult if you are dealing with pain and injuries. If the hit-and-run driver caused the accident, they may be liable for your vehicle damage and injuries, but finding them and getting compensation can be tough. Keep reading below to learn more about the hit-and-run investigation process.

What Happens After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Not only can an at-fault driver face civil liability, but leaving the scene of an accident is also a crime. The police will get involved to help locate the driver, and they may decide to bring criminal charges if they can gather enough evidence. Here is what typically happens after a hit-and-run.

Police Respond to the Scene

One of the first things you should do after a hit-and-run accident is call the police. Once police arrive, they can check for injuries and properly secure the scene. They may also interview witnesses and ask you for any information you may be able to remember about the fleeing vehicle. They can also assess the damage to your vehicle, along with skid marks or other debris, to begin putting together an accurate picture of what happened.

Evidence Collection

Police and investigators will begin to collect as much evidence as possible to identify the fleeing vehicle. This may include talking to witnesses, requesting surveillance camera footage, or reviewing automated license plate readers. Evidence will be collected and may be used at trial if criminal charges are brought.

Suspect Identification

Once the evidence has been gathered, police can use the information to track down the suspect. They may cross-reference vehicle damage with other physical evidence found at the scene. Charges can range from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies, and the specific charges will depend on the facts of the case.

How Do Insurance Claims Work in Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Insurance claims after a hit-and-run accident can be a little tricky. Unlike traditional car accident claims, one of the drivers may never be located. This means there is no way to determine who their insurance carrier was, and you cannot hold them accountable if they cannot be found.

After a hit-and-run accident, you should notify your own insurance provider. If you have uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection, then you will likely need to seek compensation through this coverage. In some cases, your insurance company may perform its own investigation in an attempt to locate the at-fault driver.

This allows you to recover compensation for your:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Out-of-pocket expenses
Emotional distress
Diminished quality of life

Since these claims can get quite complex, it can help to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. Your lawyer can help you explore all your legal options for recovering compensation even when the at-fault driver cannot be found.

What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, the steps you take immediately following the accident can make or break your ability to recover compensation. Knowing what to do can help you remain calm and take the right steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights.

After a hit-and-run accident, you should:

Call 911 immediately to report your accident to the police
Document as much information about the fleeing vehicle as you can remember, such as the make, model, color, or license plate number
Get immediate medical treatment for any injuries
Take photos of the scene and your injuries
Notify your insurance company of the accident
Talk to an experienced lawyer for legal advice

Taking these steps can help preserve important evidence, protect your rights, and strengthen your ability to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer at Anderson Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a car accident in Dallas, Anderson Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights and explore your options for recovering compensation. Our experienced attorneys can investigate your accident, identify potential sources of compensation, and handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf.

We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, Travis County, and throughout Texas.

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900

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About the Author

Mark A. Anderson is the founder of Anderson Injury Lawyers and a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer—an honor held by only a small percentage of Texas attorneys. He earned his law degree from Baylor University School of Law and has spent more than 20 years helping injury victims across Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin. Mark handles cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, product liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, and more. Click here to view some of the successful case results Mark has achieved for his clients.

Location: Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, Texas
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